Budget-Friendly Decorating Ideas

Easy bedroom makeover

Tired of your bedroom furniture, but don't want to buy new? It doesn't take much to transform a room using items you already have or can easily make. A bright green patio chair is at home in this warm, orange space, and an upholstered headboard looks fancier than it is. Cut plywood into the shape you want, line with foam for padding, and cover with fabric.

Budget Decorating Tip: Shop the other rooms of your house (don't forget the attic and basement) for furniture and accessories. Pick your favorite things and see how they look together.

Easy wall art

Don't wait for a special occasion to enjoy a set of pretty dishes -- hang them on the wall! This three-by-three grid of colorful dishes surrounded by white frames packs a big punch. With green walls as a backdrop, the frames don't need mattes or glass.

Budget Decorating Tip: Look around your house for everyday items that can become art. Consider old calendar pages, fabric swatches or paint chips.

Inspired by nature

Fresh flowers are a quick pick-me-up for any room. Be creative about what you use as your vase. Pink and white roses are beautiful in a white soup tureen.

Budget Decorating Tip: Plant your garden with indoor decorating in mind. Choose flowers such as roses, zinnias and daisies that make easy bouquets so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor inside and out.

Memorable centerpiece

A bowl full of wine corks labeled with dates of special events and anniversaries acts as both a table display and a conversation starter. Mix oranges and limes or other colorful fruit in the bowl for additional color.

Budget Decorating Tip: Postcards, seashells, and books all make great decorations.

Mantel makeover

Take advantage of your mantel's prominent position with a stylish but inexpensive arrangement. Turn a swatch of wallpaper or fabric into artwork. A frame with an ornate edge doesn't even need to be filled. Spray-paint it with a metallic finish to highlight its design.

Budget Decorating Tip: Old frames are usually dirt cheap at garage sales and flea markets. Collect a variety of shapes and designs, and create a collage of empty frames on a wall.